Bryden’s Lawyers NSW Blues Coach Brad Fittler, Harvey Norman Sky Blues Coach Kylie Hilder, former NRL Referee Gavin Badger and McDonald’s have joined forces to get behind the NSWRL #RESPECT Round across the weekend of 14-15 May.
#RESPECT Round will focus on game day behaviour toward referees and serves as a reminder to more than 100,000 players, spectators and officials involved in Community Rugby League to promote a positive environment.
We are encouraging all 677 Community Rugby League Clubs across the state to take the #RESPECT pledge and share on social media a video or post telling us how important positive game day behaviour is to their club.
The initiative asks for Community Rugby League team captains and referees entering the field of play together and giving a thumbs up as they line up for a photo before the game and sharing messages using the #RESPECT hashtag on social media.
The round will also be a feature of the Country v City representative competitions with all 16 team captains together with the referees giving a thumbs up before kick-off across three venues.
“It is good to see the whole of game from players, coaches and everyone throughout the league getting involved in the initiative,” NSWRL Officiating Development Officer Gavin Badger said.
“It is important for referees and all participants to have a positive game day experience; it is what keeps everyone coming back and allows us to continue growing our pathways for referees.
“I think the clubs who have already taken the pledge deserve a rap for buying into #RESPECT Round and supporting our referees.”
The NSWRL's #RESPECT Program aims to promote a positive environment for all 100,000 Rugby League participants and discourages negative behaviours. Through showing #RESPECT both on and off the field we can encourage more people to enjoy the game for all.
“We want to focus on our behaviour around referees, the way we treat each other at games and the manner in which we play games,” Bryden’s Lawyers NSW Blues Coach Brad Fittler said.
“Let’s get out there this weekend and show our support and remember while there’s a focus on #RESPECT Round this week we should all be showing #RESPECT every week.”
The #RESPECT campaign started in 2016 with 16,000 pledges being made online by participants across the game in line with the NSWRL’s vision to eliminate poor behaviour and promote a positive environment for all players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and families.
“McDonald’s are proud to be involved in the NSWRL RESPECT Round initiative for 2022 and look forward to seeing local clubs take the pledge and participate in the #RESPECT Round this week,” a McDonald's spokesperson said.
